Around vs Zoom: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Around and Zoom comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Around
Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
Best for you if:
- • Floating bubble interface
- • Less fatiguing calls
Zoom
Connect, communicate, and collaborate with HD video meetings
Best for you if:
- • Video conferencing platform
- • Meetings and webinars
| At a Glance |  Around | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Video Conferencing | Video Conferencing |
Rating | - | 3.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Around or Zoom?
Choose Around if
Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
- Lightweight video meeting solution
- Unique floating video bubbles design
- Minimal screen real estate usage
Choose Zoom if
Connect, communicate, and collaborate with HD video meetings
- Reliable video quality
- Easy to use
- Good for large meetings
| Feature | Around | Zoom |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★3.7/5 73,247 reviews |
| Categories | Video ConferencingCommunication | Video ConferencingCommunication |
In-Depth Analysis
Around
Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
Around offers a very generous Free tier, providing core video conferencing features without any cost.
Watch out
No paid tiers means no advanced features
Strengths
- +Lightweight video meeting solution
- +Unique floating video bubbles design
- +Minimal screen real estate usage
- +Good for remote collaboration
- +Clean and distraction-free interface
Weaknesses
- -Acquired/discontinued service
- -Limited feature set compared to competitors
- -Smaller user base and ecosystem
- -May lack enterprise-grade features
- -Integration options are limited
Key features
Zoom
Connect, communicate, and collaborate with HD video meetings
Zoom Pro at $13.33/user/month (annual) remains the baseline for professional video conferencing, but the real cost is in add-ons.
Watch out
Cloud recording storage fills fast: Pro and Business include only 10GB (about 10-15 hours of recordings). Additional storage costs $10/month for 30GB or $40/month for 25GB depending on the add-on tier. Enterprise gets unlimited recording storage, the only plan where this is not an issue.
Strengths
- +Reliable video quality
- +Easy to use
- +Good for large meetings
- +Breakout rooms
Weaknesses
- -Free plan has time limits
- -Security concerns historically
- -Can be resource intensive
Key features
Pricing: Around vs Zoom
| Plan | Around | Zoom |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Free | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Around pricing and Zoom pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Around
Want the highest-rated option?
Zoom is rated 3.7/5. Around has no ratings yet.
Go with: Zoom
Value user reviews?
Around: no ratings yet. Zoom: 73,247 reviews (3.7/5).
Go with: Zoom
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are video conferencing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Zoom is rated 3.7/5; Around has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Zoom
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Around
- Choose if you want video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
The Bottom Line
Zoom is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Around or Zoom better?
Zoom is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Around and Zoom used for?
Around: Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work. Zoom: Connect, communicate, and collaborate with HD video meetings.
What does Around cost vs Zoom?
Around is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Zoom is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.